KUALA LUMPUR: The BAM are open to a discussion with former national No 1 Goh Jin Wei on her wish to return to competitive badminton.
BAM, however, made it clear that terms have to be agreed on, regardless of whether Jin Wei is an independent player or national player.
The 21-year-old Jin Wei stunned the badminton fraternity in September last year by announcing her retirement from the sport.
The former world junior champion, who suffered from a stomach ailment and had to undergo surgery, had then cited medical reasons.
But the Penangite has now made a U-turn and expressed her interest in returning to the sport.
In a video posted on her Youtube account, Jin Wei admitted that she regretted her decision and is hoping to make a comeback.
Jin Wei, however, said she plans to resume as an independent shuttler first because she would not be able to fully commit to the demands of the national team due to health reasons.
BAM, who have been criticised on social media for their handling of Jin Wei's retirement, have replied that they will not stand in her way on her comeback if an agreement can be reached.
"We feel we've been unfairly painted as the villain in this issue, and we want to tell our side of the story," said BAM secretary-general Datuk Kenny Goh.
"BAM have spent a lot of time and money on the development of Jin Wei since she was 14.
"We have also gone to great lengths to try and retain her before she ultimately made the decision to retire.
"We were also under the impression that she wanted to retire and leave the sport for good but it is now a different situation.
"Our stance remains the same and we are always willing to assist her in her undertakings and also accept her back into the national team because we recognise her as a top talent.
"But BAM is an institution after all and there needs to be some respect for the institution and there are also rules and regulations to follow.
"We cannot just allow her to come and go at her whims and fancies because that will also set a bad precedent for other players.
"At the end of the day, the message we want to give is that we're happy to assist her but there needs to be a discussion and it has to be done through the proper means," said Kenny.
BAM have spent approximately RM1.4 million on Jin Wei, covering her expenses and tournament costs, since she was 14.
There is also a clause in BAM since 2011 that players leaving the national team face a sanction. That is unless they are aged 29 years and above and have competed in the Thomas Cup, Sea Games, World Championships, Commonwealth Games and the Olympics. Jin Wei, however, does not fulfill those requirements.
BAM have, however, proven that they are willing to bend the rules, evidently by allowing Cheam June Wei, who quit the national team in November, to become an independent shuttler.